Worked example — 50 ft × 12 ft, 4 in compacted
Area 600 ft². Depth 4 in is 200 ft³. At a planning 1.4 tons/yd³ the order is a quarry-ton figure you still replace with the local ticket. A leftover tenth of a load is cheaper than a short driveway.
Compacted depth is the number that matters
Loose dump depth is taller than compacted depth. Enter the compacted section you want after the roller, or you will short the driveway on the last load.
Flares at the road are extra rectangles. A tapering width is two shapes, not one average.
Density is a quarry fact
Road base, crushed concrete and decorative gravel do not weigh the same. Replace the default density with the ticket in your hand. GCC quarries sell tonnes and cubic metres — switch units rather than converting a US ton after the fact.
Do it in order
- Measure length and the real width, including flares as extra area.
- Enter compacted depth and the density for the selected stone.
- Round to the quarry’s delivery increment, then add fabric and edging as extras.
Planning boundary
This is a tonnage method. It is not a pavement section, a compaction spec or a live quarry quote.
Sources
This guide is original worked arithmetic for the calculator linked above. It does not cite a laboratory test or a supplier price. The method, the internal check and the planning limit are on How we calculate.
Is a ton a cubic yard?
No. Tons are weight. Yards are volume. Density is the bridge.
Do I include the apron?
Yes, as its own rectangle if the width changes.
Is this a pavement design?
No. Section, fabric and drainage still sit with the responsible professional.